MotoGP Indianapolis Qualifying: Marquez again on pole

As has been shown in previous races this year, it appears that Marc Marquez can't even beat himself. Despite running off the track after going in too hot in turn one on his first flying lap (most riders were only able to get two laps maximum on the soft option tires before they lost grip), Marquez recovered to swiftly knock Jorge Lorenzo off the top spot in the Q2 qualifying session with barely half of the 15-minute session gone. Returning to the pits for a fresh rear tire, Marquez then proceeded to put the pole position out of reach with 1:31.619 lap that was over two-tenths quicker than second-placed rider Andrea Dovisioso, who once again showed that the Ducati can be competitive once it gets its handling woes fixed. Movistar Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo managed to hold on for the final spot on the front row with an effort that was just 0.025 seconds behind Dovisioso.

"Of course I'm happy for the pole because after the holidays it's important to start like that," said Marquez. "The most important part is that we have a really good pace for tomorrow for race distance. I'm happy and I'm confident, but you never know because the (weather) forecast looked a little bit unstable. In the qualifying practice it was a little bit raining, nothing bad but you could see it on the visor. It will be important to choose the correct tire; we will check the temperature and make our choice then."

Dovisioso was elated to be able to start on the front row, and he's not feeling as pessimistic at his chances in the race as the Ducati's race pace is getting closer. "The start is always important here because it's very tight the first corners so it will be really good for us. The first row for us is unbelievable. We did a really good job because every practice we were really on top, near the front. It will be very difficult tomorrow the race because the race is 27 laps and the rear tire drop a lot of grip. But our speed is a little bit better than the other tracks, so I'm really happy."

Lorenzo was hoping to get a shot at pole after seeing that Marquez wasn't that far in front, but he settled for a front row starting position. "This time we got an opportunity to make the pole position because Marc was not so far (in front of us) with the soft tire. Finally just two tenths we needed, and I try my best to make the perfect lap. I found in the second try so many riders were waiting to follow that normally don’t do this, so I was a little bit more nervous. But finally I could improve these two tenths that gave me the first row, so it’s a good position for tomorrow. The bike is working quite well and I’m quite confident for the race."

MotoGP Indianapolis Saturday FP3 practice results: